ITEC90 Network Fundamentals

Module 2 Computer Network Model

Prepared by:
MAC JOHN T. POBLETE
Faculty, Information Technology Department
Cavite State University Naic
Email: nc.macjohn.poblete@cvsu.edu.ph
ITEC90 Network Fundamentals Module 2 Computer Network Models

In this module, the students must be able to:

a. explain why layered architecture is required
b. identify, define, and differentiate the two computer network models
c. identify, define, and differentiate the seven layers of OSI model
d. identify, define, and differentiate the four layers of TCP/IP model

Instructions:
1. Read carefully all instruction for each task before working on the requirements.
2. All questions related to requirements shall be coursed through email only. Replies will be sent
during office hours.

Pretest:
1. Why do we require a layered architecture?
2. What are the two computer network models?
3. What are the seven layers of the OSI model?
4. What are the layers of the TCP/IP model?

LET US LEARN!
Computer Network Models
A communication subsystem is a complex piece of Hardware and software. Early attempts for implementing
the software for such subsystems were based on a single, complex, unstructured program with many interacting
components. The resultant software was very difficult to test and modify. To overcome such problem, the ISO has
developed a layered approach. In a layered approach, networking concept is divided into several layers, and each
layer is assigned a particular task. Therefore, we can say that networking tasks depend upon the layers.

Layered Architecture
The main aim of the layered architecture is to divide the design into small pieces. Each lower layer adds its
services to the higher layer to provide a full set of services to manage communications and run the applications. It
provides modularity and clear interfaces, i.e., provides interaction between subsystems. It also ensures the
independence between layers by providing the services from lower to higher layer without defining how the services
are implemented. Therefore, any modification in a layer will not affect the other layers.
The number of layers, functions, contents of each layer will vary from network to network. However, the
purpose of each layer is to provide the service from lower to a higher layer and hiding the details from the layers of
how the services are implemented.
The basic elements of layered architecture are services, protocols, and interfaces.
 Service: It is a set of actions that a layer provides to the higher layer.
 Protocol: It defines a set of rules that a layer uses to exchange the information with peer entity.
These rules mainly concern about both the contents and order of the messages used.
 Interface: It is a way through which the message is transferred from one layer to another layer.
In a layer n architecture, layer n on one machine will have a communication with the layer n on another
machine and the rules used in a conversation are known as a layer-n protocol.
ITEC90 Network Fundamentals Module 2 Computer Network Models

Let's take an example of the five-layered architecture.

Figure 1. Five-layered architecture

In case of layered architecture, no data is transferred from layer n of one machine to layer n of another
machine. Instead, each layer passes the data to the layer immediately just below it, until the lowest layer is reached.
Below layer 1 is the physical medium through which the actual communication takes place. In a layered architecture,
unmanageable tasks are divided into several small and manageable tasks. The data is passed from the upper layer
to lower layer through an interface.
A Layered architecture provides a clean-cut interface so that minimum information is shared among different
layers. It also ensures that the implementation of one layer can be easily replaced by another implementation. A set
of layers and protocols is known as network architecture.

Why do we require a layered architecture?

 Divide-and-conquer approach: Divide-and-conquer approach makes a design process in such a way that
the unmanageable tasks are divided into small and manageable tasks. In short, we can say that this
approach reduces the complexity of the design.
 Modularity: Layered architecture is more modular. Modularity provides the independence of layers, which is
easier to understand and implement.
 Easy to modify: It ensures the independence of layers so that implementation in one layer can be changed
without affecting other layers.
 Easy to test: Each layer of the layered architecture can be analyzed and tested individually.

The OSI Reference Model

 The OSI Model is one of the general-purpose networking or communication model among computer network
models, which is responsible for establishing connection in an open manner between all the communicable
devices present across the globe.
 OSI stands for “Open System Interconnection” and the name of this reference model was given by an
organization known as “International Organization for Standardization”. The ISO is responsible for
generating and promoting industrial and commercial standards applicable for all the users or universally.
 OSI model is called as “Open Source” because of its “fit anywhere” ability. Any connection can be
established using the OSI model unless and until any protocols are not used as OSI model does not support
ITEC90 Network Fundamentals Module 2 Computer Network Models

protocol establishment. It runs without the use of protocols. All the networking devices which are open for
communication can be connected together for data communication through the OSI model.
 Apart from OSI Model, another computer network models which is widely used is TCP/IP Model.
 OSI model having a layered architecture, allows easy data communication as each layer has predefined
structured and functionalities.
 The functionalities are different for each layer and thus when combined together forms the OSI Model.
There are in total seven layers in general purpose OSI model.

Characteristics of OSI Model

Figure 2. Layers of the OSI Reference Model

 The OSI model is divided into two layers: upper layers and lower layers.
 The upper layer of the OSI model mainly deals with the application related issues, and they are
implemented only in the software. The application layer is closest to the end user. Both the end user and the
application layer interact with the software applications. An upper layer refers to the layer just above another
layer.
 The lower layer of the OSI model deals with the data transport issues. The data link layer and the physical
layer are implemented in hardware and software. The physical layer is the lowest layer of the OSI model
and is closest to the physical medium. The physical layer is mainly responsible for placing the information
on the physical medium.

Functions of the OSI Layer

There are the seven OSI layers. Each layer has different functions. A list of seven layers is given below:
1. Application Layer: This layer is responsible for providing interface to the application user. This
layer encompasses protocols which directly interact with the user.
2. Presentation Layer: This layer defines how data in the native format of remote host should be
presented in the native format of host.
3. Session Layer: This layer maintains sessions between remote hosts. For example, once
user/password authentication is done, the remote host maintains this session for a while and
does not ask for authentication again in that time span.
4. Transport Layer: This layer is responsible for end-to-end delivery between hosts. Transport
Layer is the middle most layer in OSI model and sometimes referred to as Network
ITEC90 Network Fundamentals Module 2 Computer Network Models

Independent Layer. It has no idea about the functioning of lower layer i.e. physical, data link
and network layers.
5. Network Layer: This layer is responsible for address assignment and uniquely addressing
hosts in a network.
6. Data Link Layer: This layer is responsible for reading and writing data from and onto the line.
Link errors are detected at this layer.
7. Physical Layer: This layer defines the hardware, cabling wiring, power output, pulse rate etc.

Figure 3. Functions of OSI Layers

Advantages of OSI Model

The OSI Model being one of the most widely used computer network models does possess some major
advantages which makes it so popular. These are:
1. Each layer has its definite structure and functionality which makes OSI model simple and easy to
use.
2. It is a general-purpose reference model that can be used for data communication.
3. Connection oriented and connection-less services are supported.
4. Connection between any type of devices or host or hardware or software is possible.

Disadvantages of OSI Model

1. Because of its inability to fit protocols, this model was replaced by TCP/IP Internet Model.
2. Session and Presentation layers does not provide high end functionalities and are not of much use
as compared to other layers.
3. Connection oriented and connection-less services are supported.
4. Connection between any type of devices or host or hardware or software is possible.
ITEC90 Network Fundamentals Module 2 Computer Network Models

TCP/IP Reference Model

Internet uses TCP/IP protocol suite, also known as Internet suite. This defines Internet Model which
contains four-layered architecture. OSI Model is general communication model but Internet Model is what the internet
uses for all its communication. The internet is independent of its underlying network architecture so is its Model.
The OSI reference model was the first communication model and was termed as general-purpose model
because of its ability to fit in any type of network but without fitting the protocols in. Due to its inability to fit protocols,
TCP/IP reference model which is commonly known as Internet Model was developed in year 1983 by US Military
Wing called ARPANET.
In January 1, 1983, TCP/IP was made active permanently for the commercial use. From then, TCP/IP has
made a revolution in the field of networking and telecommunication as it was able to overcome the drawbacks of
general purpose OSI Model. TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol with the help of which, protocol
implementation over the network can be achieved. The TCP/IP model also has a layered architecture which allows
easy data communication along with the facility of integrating multiple protocols. The layout remains similar to OSI
Model but the number of layers, their functionalities and properties got changed.
This Internet Model (TCP/IP) comprises of only four layers as compared to seven layers of OSI Model.
These four layers are generated by combining the layers of OSI model internally so that protocols can be
implemented. These layers have fixed positions too and their positions cannot be altered. Application Layer,
Transport Layer, Internet Layer and Network Access Layers are the four layers of TCP/IP Model.

Figure 4. The TCP/IP Model

Architecture and Layers of the TCP/IP Reference Model

Figure 5. Architecture of the TCP/IP Model

ITEC90 Network Fundamentals Module 2 Computer Network Models

The Network Access Layer. The Network Access Layer of TCP/IP reference model is also known as the
Host-to-Host or Host-to-Network layer as it is responsible for performing roles of the Physical Layer along with the
functions of Data Link Layer.
Data in the form of bits received in the Network Access Layer are connected in the form of data packets to
Internet Layer.
This layer provides mechanism of sending and receiving actual data. Unlike its OSI Model counterpart, this
layer is independent of underlying network architecture and hardware.
 Network Access Layer = Data Link Layer + Physical Layer
The Internet Layer. Internet layer is also called Network Layer which is responsible for establishment of
connection to send or receive data packets between multiple users or nodes or devices or networks. This layer is
placed on the 2nd position from bottom.
The Internet Layer en-routes the data packets from source to destination through the process of routing with
the help of various routing techniques and routing protocols.
Internet Protocol (IP) works on this layer. This layer facilitates host addressing and recognition. This layer
defines routing.
The Transport Layer. The Transport Layer performs the same functions and have similar features as that in
OSI Model. The functionality of Transport Layer is, it provides end to end data transfer by using the technique of
connection-oriented services between sender and receiver with the help of various protocols.
This layer defines how data should flow between hosts. Major protocol at this layer is Transmission Control
Protocol (TCP). This layer ensures data delivered between hosts is in-order and is responsible for end-to-end
delivery.
The Application Layer. The Application Layer resides on the top of the TCP/IP reference model as line in
OSI Model. The functionality of Application Layer of TCP/IP reference model is to provide interface between users
and the applications. In some cases, depending upon the requirements, it can perform the functions of Session Layer
(to provide sessions) and Presentation Layer (data representation).
This layer defines the protocol which enables user to interact with the network. For example, FTP, HTTP
etc.
 Application Layer = Session Layer + Presentation Layer + Application Layer

Advantages of TCP/IP Reference Model

1. Use of protocols implementation and their support.
2. Each layer has its definite structure and functionality which makes OSI model simple and easy to
use.
3. Use of layered architecture.

Disadvantages of TCP/IP Reference Model

1. As some layers has multiple functionalities, it is more complex than OSI Model where each layer
has separate functions and services.
2. The TCP/IP reference makes use of protocols. But, in case of replacement of any protocol,
difficulty and issue might arise.
ITEC90 Network Fundamentals Module 2 Computer Network Models

Post Test
Answer the following questions:
1. What does the acronym OSI stand for?
2. What are the layers of the OSI model?
3. At which layer of the OSI model is a path decision made based upon an IP address?
4. What layer defines the hardware, cabling wiring, power output, and pulse rate?
5. Are there any alternative models to the OSI model? If yes, define it.

References
Computer Network Models. (n.d.). Tutorials Point. Retrieved September 25, 2021, from
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/data_communication_computer_network/computer_netw
ork_models.htm
OSI Model: Layers, Characteristics, Functions - javatpoint. (n.d.). Www.Javatpoint.Com.
Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://www.javatpoint.com/osi-model
TCP/IP Reference Model | Computer Networks Tutorial | Minigranth. (n.d.). Minigranth.
Retrieved September 25, 2021, from https://minigranth.in/computer-networks-
tutorial/tcp-ip-reference-model